So far in 2023, there’s been lots of activity in the night sky for us to wonder at. That doesn’t look to change anytime soon with a lunar eclipse heading our way early next month. Often not seeing these spectacular events, we answer if the penumbral lunar eclipse in 2023 will be visible in the UK.
Already this year, we’ve had the 5 planet alignment as well as the hybrid solar eclipse on April 20. However, there’s certainly more to come, and we don’t even have to wait very long for it.
The one catch, is often the UK population misses out on things like this. Be it our position on Earth, how small our island is, or just our typical bad weather — we don’t have great luck spotting these astronomical phenomena.
With another moon event on the horizon, we look into if the lunar eclipse will be visible in the UK.
What Is A Lunar Eclipse?
A lunar eclipse is when the Earth is between the Sun and the Moon, causing the latter to appear darkened and often reddish in colour.
Not as rare as other events, this typically happens every 6 months during the ‘eclipse season.’ That’s why it’s no coincidence it’s happening close to the solar eclipse. For both of these to happen, the three celestial bodies have to be in very close alignment, with one passing in front of the other to cause the shadow.
For a lunar eclipse to occur, it must be during a full moon and when it is closest to Earth in its orbit. Luckily, these are much easier to see than a solar eclipse, with most of the world able to view the lunar eclipse.
When Is It Happening?
The lunar eclipse will occur on the night of Friday, May 5 2023. Already a busy weekend in the UK, this is the day before King Charles’ coronation.
Unfortunately, there won’t be an extra bank holiday for the moon’s event, no matter which one you favour.
This particular event is a penumbral eclipse, meaning the moon will only be dimmed, instead of in a complete shadow. However, this will still largely be visible to the naked eye when most of the moon has passed through the Earth’s penumbra (outer, dimmer shadow).
Will The Lunar Eclipse In May 2023 Be Visible In The UK?
Unfortunately, the UK population will be missing out once again on this event.
What’s even more bad luck, is that the United Kingdom is one of the very few European countries where the eclipse won’t be visible at all, along with some of Scandinavia.
Those in North and South America also won’t be able to see the penumbral eclipse, so at least we’re together on that.
If you’re thinking of some spontaneous travel, then here is where will see the lunar eclipse:
- Asia
- Mainland Europe
- Africa
- Australia
- New Zealand
In Asia, Australia and New Zealand, the eclipse will be fully visible. Those in Africa and Europe will only be able to see it during Moonrise.
It’s a shame that once again, the UK won’t be able to see the event. Here’s hoping that the next one will be visible to us too!